Need new furniture or have a home improvement project coming up? Skip the retail stores and places like Lowe's or Home Depot. You'll likely save much more—like over 50%—if you head to a reuse center instead.

Reuse centers are typically non-profit organizations that take salvaged or surplus home materials and furnishings and offer them up for sale to the community. So, for example, parts can come from buildings that are about to be demolished or remodeled. Surplus items in brand-new condition might also be donated by contractors or building suppliers to a reuse center to help reduce waste.